Army Corps to study whether to dredge Morristown lakes

The Army Corps of Engineers is poised to start a year-long study on the environmental impacts of removing silt from Morristown's Lake Pocohantas, said Mayor Donald Cresitello, who wants to see more "passive recreation" on the lake.

The $80,000 study, which also includes Speedwell Lake and the Whippany River, updates a study from 1980, during Mayor Cresitello's first stint as mayor.

"Over the last 50 years, the waterways have narrowed and become more shallow," said the Mayor. "We're looking at a program to remove silt. We want to restore the lakes and river for passive recreation."

The town will contribute $20,000 to the study, which will examine dredging's potential impact on wildlife, among other things.

Mayor Cresitello, whose administration expires in January, said he would like to see a public launch area for canoes, rowboats and electric-motor boats at Lake Pocohantas, a 15-acre pond behind Speedwell Avenue.

That prospect does not excite at least one lakefront resident. Donna Bangiola, who has spearheaded previous cleanups of Lake Pocohantas, said the lake is home to many birds and fish.

"I think they should leave it alone," Donna said of the town. "They'll ruin it. People don't respect nature."